The Pharisees Are Still Here!

Yes, after admitting in their Oct. 15-06 magazine that the "Bible does not outline exact procedures for a Christian wedding" the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society then imposes rules on how JW's weddings must be carried out.

Newly additions are that "Jehovah's Witnesses do not repeat a marriage by having multiple legal ceremonies, nor do they renew marriage vows, such as on a couple's 25th or 50th wedding anniversary." Also:

"Unless local law requires something else, these vows that honor God are used. For the groom: "I [name of groom] take you [name of bride] to be my wedded wife, to love and to cherish in accordance with the divine law as set forth in the Holy Scriptures for Christian husbands, for as long as we both shall live together on earth according to God's marital arrangement." For the bride: "I [name of bride] take you [name of groom] to be my wedded husband, to love and to cherish and deeply respect, in accordance with the divine law as set forth in the Holy Scriptures for Christian wives, for as long as we both shall live together on earth according to God's marital arrangement.") If that civil ceremony included vows but the newly married couple want to say vows before Jehovah and the congregation, they would do so in the past tense, showing that they were already "yoked together."

Let's not overlook their following commandment:

"As part of honoring them, the speaker will not feature humor or folk sayings. He should not include overly personal observations that might embarrass the couple and the listeners."

Everything from the where, when and how of the ceremony and reception (including the attendees list, music, food and beverages, etc.) is under the approval of the elders. This is the Watchtower at its most pharisaical in recent times.

How pleasant is living the following:

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

The Watchtower's False Hope

Paradise will probably be a recurring topic on my blog. Growing up in this religion, Paradise was always talked about as a future garden-like Earth. Almost every JW alive envisions this to be the case. But how presumptuous of us, especially the people who taught us this. The October 1, 2006 Watchtower Magazine even goes so far as to liken Paradise to their illustrations in their literature:

9) Our God-given hope is infinitely superior to anything that the world can offer. Says Psalm 37:34: "Hope in Jehovah and keep his way, and he will exalt you to take possession of the earth. When the wicked ones are cut off, you will see it." Yes, we have every reason to "rejoice in the hope." (Romans 12:12) In order to do so, however, we must keep our hope fresh in mind. Do you regularly reflect on your God-given hope? Can you see yourself in Paradise, glowing with good health, free from anxieties, surrounded by people you love, and sharing in truly fulfilling work?Do you meditate on the Paradise scenes depicted in our publications? Such regular reflection might be likened to cleaning a window that affords a magnificent view. If we neglect to clean the glass, soon dirt and grime will rob us of the scene's clarity and appeal. Other things may then capture our attention. May we never allow that to happen!

How obnoxious of them to portray Paradise like their publications do. One has to take a look and see what their expectations are: A picnic with flowers, fruits, and a zoo perhaps? How limited is their hope, I can now see how materialistic they are. Have they forgotten:

1 Corinthians 2:9 However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

Besides, Paradise is not an Earthly domain, but heavenly!

2 Corinthians 12:1 I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 2I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know God knows. 3And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— 4was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell.

Courtesy or Avoidance?

The Watchtower in their Nov. 2006 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry states a JW's job isn't to refute every doctrine (they perceive to be false) that someone may express, but to just declare their good news of God's Kingdom and they cite Matthew 24:14.

It is likely the real intention is for the witness not to consider anything that would clearly contradict their organization's current teaching. That way, any exposure to biblical truth will be minimized or serious examination of their beliefs will less likely take place.

The impression a JW may have after reading the article is that if anyone challenges their faith, then they are not held responsible to give a defense. While we should be charitable to others if they express different viewpoints, the article's somewhat vagueness makes it sound like 'hit and run' presentations are recommended by the Society. However, if civility remains, why not discuss an issue then? Does the great commission prohibit us from dealing with questions we may be asked?

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect

"He who does the will of My Father"

Matt 7:21 Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.22 Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?"23 And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness."

Jehovah's Witnesses look to Matthew 7:21-23 in order to prove that being called a christian does not mean one is saved...and they are correct. However, they are completely wrong with their belief that it is up to the individual to obey every commandement of God and behave in a certain way in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

First, the Lord said not everyone who says Lord or does all these wonders will go into heaven. So these things are not wrong on their own right; so much for the JW's bashing people that do claim to do these things. Jesus explains only doing the will of the Father. What would that be?

This is the second point, who can live up to God's perfect standards? If we break one commandment, we break them all.

James 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

God wants no one to perish (2 Pet 3:9), that is why he has provided His Son that all who have faith in him will have eternal life (John 3:16). Believing in Christ is our salvation. John 3:36 explains

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever ejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him.

Lastly, the JW's are sadly mistaken that a person can clean up their lives and give it their best efforts to please God. Nothing or no one will wash their sin, but the blood of the Lamb. That is God's will, his only requirement for salvation, that you believe in Christ Jesus. Recognize him as your Lord and Saviour.

Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

Eternal Life with God

Even now my words fall short of capturing the full love and gratitude I have for the person who saved me from my spiritual darkness and despair I would have happily led myself to. Happily because as a Jehovah's Witness, it would have been futile to worship God as I had been doing.

No matter what struggles I encountered I always thanked Him for choosing me to be in the Truth. Sure, JW's don't have any guarantees of salvation. To them, it's quite arrogant to think of oneself as being saved, much less say it with conviction. Of course I never dwelled on 1 John 5:13

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

Eternal life now means not only living forever, but being with God Himself. Such relationship is not like a government which trickles down information, but in complete and ultimate fellowship as humans can achieve, which, ironically, is incomplete in regards to Being for only God can truly know God. That was something I realized later on, a personal relationship with the Almighty isn't simply trying my best to please Him. It is knowing why I want to please Him.

Jesus Christ, I love you because you love me!